Sassafras is a deciduous tree that grows up to 40 meters (131 feet) high with many slender branches, a soft and spongy orange-brown bark and small yellow-green flowers. The bark and the wood are aromatic.

In ancient herbal medicine Sassafras was used in the treatment of high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, menstrual and kidney problems, and for skin complaints.

Due to the high content of safrole in Sassafras oil, it is carcinogenic.

Sassafras is listed in the 1983 British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for head lice, cutaneous eruptions, rheumatic pains and gout. The wood and bark yield a bright yellow dye.

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